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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Whoa. It's been a long time, huh? Those of you who have been keeping up, you know I'm writing like a mother-freck. It's got me a bit a lot freakishly absorbed. So I ended up not posting a review/rec last week and now it's got me all kinds of behind because there are just so many books I've loved recently. But you should know today was my wedding anniversary, so I've been up to my eyeballs in busy. So I've only got one review and one ARC to give away today. But it's a doozy.

EDIT: I got a bit further in POSSESS and I'm totally digging it. Cannot put it down, although I should. It's 3:23 AM. Anyway, thought I'd go ahead and add it to the giveaway...I'm a genius. I'll try to give it a full review next week. I know I still owe you a full review of LOLA and PETER NIMBLE, too. I swear, coming up! I'm totally behind.

THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin

Summary: Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.There is.She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.She's wrong.

MY REVIEW

Dude. This book was NOTHING like what I thought it was. I mean, yes, okay, it was. I'm such an over-exaggerator. But really, it was nothing like what I thought. The thing is, I can't even really go into it without spoiling the whole book for you. Hm. Okay, I can tell you that freaky, unexpected stuff happens in this. You're not sure what is or isn't real--just as Mara isn't sure. It's a total mind trip that plants you firmly in the shoes of Mara Dyer. But in the midst of tripping, you will drool for one Noah Shaw.

Yes. I said it. The boy. The totally hot boy. As in, SMOking. Brains, beauty, and a killer British accent. Also, he's just cool, you know? The boy's got swag. He's the bad boy fantasy of every sixteen year old and cougar, yet he's just so nice in a totally unexpected way. So dreamy. So...hot.

But boy aside, you also have Mara, a total crack-you-up--quick-witted with a flair for the snappy comeback. Mara and Noah together is pure magic. The story in this is fantastic--mysterious, full of twists and unexpected turns--but I could've read nothing but the dialogue and loved every minute of it. It's smart and funny and dripping with innuendo. The voice in this is just out-of-the-park killer. But it's more than just voice. Hodkin captured the essence of teenagedom: the layers of emotion and the drama, the youthful insecurity and self-focus (I need, I want, what did I do wrong, it's my fault, etc.)...and blossoming desire. Ohhhhh the desire. There's just this brilliant mesh of touches and teasing and boiling hot sexual tension.

And on top of it all, you get this story that is at once a contemp and a romance and yet also a paranormal (or is it?) and a psychological thriller (or is it?)--in essence a mystery with a sizzling romance. THE UNBECOMING OF MARY DYER is a fast-paced read that will have you slowing down just to savor and breathe it in. An unforgettable read.

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Win an ARC of THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin

and

POSSESS by Gretchen McNeil. I haven't finished reading this one yet, so I can't give it a full review yet. But I hope to soon! It's totally creeptastic and gripping so far.

CLICK HERE to enter to win ARC of THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER and POSSESS International Giveaway

This giveaway is international and ends Wednesday, Aug 17, midnight EST. You must be 13 years old to enter. If you win, you will need to provide an address for shipment. Under 18's must have parent/guardian permission to enter.

Thanks for entering, and good luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. PLEASE SEE WINNERS BELOW.

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Be sure to check out what the other Bookanistas are highlighting today:

The first time I saw this book online I know I want to read this. Not just because Mara is my surname but also because it is intriguing. Now with this review, the more I wish I have a copy of the book with me now. *sigh* I'm hating our local bookstores for not having even a single copy of this book.

Thank you so much for this really awesome giveaway! I've heard nothing but great things about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! It's good to hear another great review. I can't wait for all the twists this book is going to take me on! And a hot guy, count me in! :)

I am so excited about the chance to win a copy of these books - I cannot even express it. Thank you so much. I loved, loved, loved your review - it made me smile today and I so needed a smile this morning :)

This is the best giveaway I've seen in a long while, simply because it's for a book that I am foaming at the mouth to read. Seriously. Thank you so much for the great giveaway:) I would love love love to get a chance to read this book. Thanks for the chance:)

GAH! I need, need, NEED to get my hands on The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer already!! Every single review I've read has gushed about the sexiness of Noah and been frustratingly vague about the plot, which only drives me want it even more LOL. Love your review!

The reason I'm waking up so late this morning is because I stayed up until 2.30 finishing Mara Dyer. The book blew my mind. Note to readers: you might not want to read this one late at night, it will leave you churning and unable to thinking and sleep!

I've been dying to read the Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I wish this book would just come out already!! I've heard nothing but awesome reviews for it. I just read an interview by Gretchen McNeil and she said the scariness of the exorcist gave her the idea for Possess so I'm a little scared to read it but I beat it's great as well!

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Great review! I was a little nervous about reading this book after reading some reviews online but I decided to read it anyway and I'm really glad I did. It was amazing. I loved Noah and Mara, and everything that happened with the alligators and such all needed to happen for this story. I don't want to wait for the second book I wish I could have it now!